Basset Bleu De Gascogne

Like every breed, the Basset Bleu De Gascogne is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use food and positive, reward-based methods: the nose is the way to their cooperation.
• Work hard on early training, building check-ins and recall into a habit.
• Socialise them well with livestock, other pets and children.
• Try scent-based activities such as tracking or mantrailing.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  An abnormality of the discs that cushion the bones of the spine. A disc can slip or burst and press on the spinal cord, causing back pain and weakness or paralysis of the legs.

• Angular limb deformities

  Caused by a pair of bones growing at different rates, so that the leg looks bowed or rotated. It can lead to pain and lameness.

• Ear infections

  Ear infections are listed among the problems the breed can suffer from, so check the ears regularly.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Basset Bleu De Gascogne home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Basset Bleu De Gascogne home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Basset Bleu De Gascogne suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Basset Bleu De Gascognes do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.